Vehicle heater



H. D. PINKERTON ETAL VEHICLE HEATER Filed Oct, 20, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l V. nb

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VEHICLE HEATER Filed Oct. 20, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /N l/EZV TOKS Har/'9 0. Ply/ref- A-l TT ORN 'f Wig Patented July 7, 1942 VEHICLE HEATER Harry D. Pinkerton and Clarence S. Phenicie, Kansas City, Kans., assignors of one-third to Ellsworth H. Munford, Kansas City, Mo.

Application OctobervZO, 1939, Serial No. 300,373

7 Claims.

This invention relates to vehicle heaters and particularly to those of the fuel burning type. Heaters of this character have many advantages over the water heated type, but they do not operate with trouble free dependability when using motor vehicle fuel due to clogging of the burnerv parts and slow burning characteristics of the various antiknock preparations used in most vehicle fuels of today. Even though straight gasolines without antiknock preparations were readily available, the inconvenience of an additional fuel supply separate from the motor fuel supply would make such heaters impracticable. It is therefore essential that heaters of the burner type be designed for trouble free operation on the fuel used in operating the motor of the vehicle.

It is. therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a heater of the burner type which operates efficiently and satisfactorily on motor fuels and particularlyJ those employing an antiknock preparation.

Another object vof the invention is to provide a burner type heater constructed so that only the radiator unit is mounted within the passenger compartment with the motor and burner connections'housed within the engine compartment, thereby permitting ready access to the working parts and less danger of fumes escaping into the passenger compartment.

IFurther objects of the invention are to provide a heater construction permitting closer mounting of the radiator unit to the dash of the passenger compartment; to provide amotor and fan arrangement with a minimum over-hang into the engine compartment and with the discharge of the fan aligning with the primary air inlet to the burner; and to provide the burner of the heater with a fuel igniting device connected with the high tension ignition system of the engine.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, as hereinafter pointed out, we have provided improved details of structure, the preferred form of which iis illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a motor vehicle equipped with a heater embodying the features of the present invention; a portion of the vehicle body being broken away to illustrate the heater and its connection to the ignition, exhaust, and fuel systems of the vehicle motor.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the heater -unit on the line 2--2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of the fuel and fan control mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section through the heater unit.

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the heater assembly as it appears prior to installation on the dash of a motor vehicle.

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view of the fuel injection and ignition parts of the burnersystem.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

i designates a motor vehicle body having a passenger compartment 2 and an engine com* partment 3, separated by a dash The engine 5 of the vehicle is of the ordinary internal combustion type havingintake and exhaust manifolds 6 and l, a carburetor 8, and air cleaner 9 connected with the'air intake of the carburetor, and a fuel supply pump it as in conventional automotive construction. The fuel supplypump i@ is connected through a pipe Iiwith a fuel tank usually mounted at the rear of the vehicle, and discharges the fuel under pressure through a pipe l2 to the fuel inlet of the` carburetor. The engine 5 has the customary ignition system includinga high tension coil i3 for supplying a high tension current through a conductor i4 to a distributor i'which delivers apulsating curi'ent to the spark-plugs l5 through conductors The motor vehicle parts just described are utilized in connection with our improved heater which is now to be described.

'Ihe heater illustrated includes a substantially rectangular casing having front, rear and side walls I8, i9 and 20 respectively connected by a top 2l and a bottom 22. Formed in the front wall, in spaced relation with' the top 2l and bottom 22, is an air discharge opening 23 in which is pivotally mounted a plurality of deflecting vanes or louvers 24. The rear wall I9 is provided with a registering opening 25 which maybe of circular form as illustrated and covered by a ring-like shield 26, later described.

Extending transversely acrossvthe casing at the upper and lower edges of the discharge opening 23, are partitions 21 and 28 cooperating with the top and bottom to providev manifold chambers 29 and 30 that are interconnected by a plurality of tube-like flues 3l through which hot products of combustion pass from the lower manifold chamber to the upper manifold chamber as later described. Connected with thelower manifold chamber, oiset from the y vertical median line of the casing, is a tube 32 through which secondary air is supplied to a burner including a name distributer 33 contained within the lower manifold chamber. 'I'he upper manifold chamber is provided in the center ofthe casing with a vent pipe 34 adapted to be connected to the air cleaner 3.

The shield 26 is of i'rusto-conical shape with the base attached in covering relation with the opening 25 with the smaller end provided with a circumferential ilange 36 adapted for connection with the dash 4 by fastening devices 36 extending through openings 31 in the ange and through registering openings 36 that are drilled through the dash 4. The shield 26 is of a depth to mount a fan 36, which, in the illustrated instance, is of the propeller type and arranged to draw air from the interior of the passenger compartment through openings 46 in the shield and discharge the air between the ues 3l for return to the passenger compartment through the opening 23.

'Ihe fan 39 is fixed to the amature shaft 4i oi a motor 42 that is enclosed in a blower housing 43 fixed to the engine side of the dash by bracket arms 44, the bracket arms being secured to the motor by fastening devices 46 extending through openings in the bracket, registering openings in a front wall 41 of the blower housing, and into threaded sockets that are formed in bosses 46 on the motor. The outer ends of the arms terminate in foot portions 49 adapted to be iixed to the motor side of the dash by the fastening devices 36, previously mentioned.

The blower housing includes a rotor chamber 66 arranged circumferentially of the motor to mount, preferably, a sirocco type rotor 6I that is carried on the end of the armature shaft opposite the fan 39. The vanes 62 of the rotor are arranged to revolve around the motor as shown in Fig. 4, thereby providing a compact arrangement with a minimum overhang intothe engine compartment. Formed between the rotor chamber 60 and the wall 41 are air inlet passageways 53 for admitting air circumferentially of the motor into the rotor chamber, the air being discharged tangentially through a pipe 64 registering with the tube 32, previously mentioned. The tube 32 is of longer length than the shield so that it projects through an opening 66 that is formed in the dash 4 to permit taking in of the combustion supporting air from the motor compartment, thereby avoiding any likelihood of fumes from the burner escaping into the passenger compartment through the air inlet.

The flame distributer 33 previously mentioned includes a hollow body preferably conforming in shape to the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the lower manifold chamber and of smaller dimensions to provide passageways 66 and 61 at the sides and ends thereof for movement of secondary air into contact with the burner iiame. The hollow body includes a top wall 68 having a plurality of orifices 63 for admitting jets of flame adapted to play in the direction of the partition 28 to directly heat the tube-like flues so that the air moved by thefan 38 is heated thereby. The bottom of the flame distributer slopes downwardly toward the end registering with the tube 32 to form a sump 60 that is connected by a pipe 6| leading through the tube 32 and having connection with the intake manifold 6, as indicated at 62. The flame distributer body also includes side walls 63 and 64 which cooperate with the top and bottom walls to form a combustion chamber having connection with an ignition chamber 65. The ignition chamber 66 is formed by a tube, which extends through the tube 32 and has its forward end threaded in an opening 66 of the flame distributer. The opposite end of the ignition chamber connects by an elbow portion 61 with the air discharge pipe of the blower so that primary air is discharged under pressure into the ignition chamber and through the ignition chamber into the flame distributer. Fuel is delivered to the ignition chamber through a nozzle 68 that extends through the elbow portion in concentric arrangement with the ignition chamber and is connected by a pipe 69 with the fuel pipe l2 through a T connection 10, the pipe 69 being provided adjacent the T 16 with a stop valve 1I.-

The pipe 69 is preferably arranged to mount a control valve 12 therein so that its stem 13 extends through a suitable opening in the dash and is rotatably mounted in a bracket 14 carried by the heater casing as clearly shown in Fig. 2, the free end of the stem being of sulcient length to carry a hand wheel 15 by which the valve is manipulated from the passenger compartment. Fixed on the stem of the valve is an arm 16 for contacting a push button 11 of a switch 18 that is mounted on the side of the casing 20 and has connection with the motor circuit through wires 19 and 86. Thus when the valve is opened by rotation oi the hand wheel 15, the arm 16 moves away from the button to close the motor circuit. Upon actuating the hand wheel to close the valve the arm 16 engages the button 11 to permit opening of the circuit and stop actuation of the motor when the fuel supply to the heater is shut off.

In order to ignite the fuel spray that is discharged under pump pressure through the nozzle 66, the ignition chamber has a threaded opening 8| therein to mount an igniting device 82, having electrode points 63 and 84 arranged near the jet of fuel discharged from the nozzle. The electrodes of the igniting device are insulated from the metal parts of the apparatus and are separately connected by binding posts 86 and 66 with conductors 81 and 88. the conductor 81 leading to one of the distributor terminals of the timer I6 and the conductor B8 leading to the spark-plug ordinarily connected with that terminal of the distributor. The igniting device is thus connected in series with the spark-plug and the burner fuel is ignited by the same high tension current supplied to the plug.

To further assure ignition of the fuel, the discharge end of the ignition chamber carries a disk 69 having a plurality of passageways 36 through which the burner fuel is discharged into the flame distributor. The disk, being formed of refractory material, is heated to incandescence and effects ignition of any portions of the fuel not ignited prior to passage into the flame distributer.

In installing a heater constructed as described, the openings for the fastening devices, tube 32. motor shaft 4| and valve stem may be marked on the dash with the aid of a suitable templet and drilled with the proper size drill and punches. The motor and blower assembly, minus the fan 39, may then be held in position on the engine side of the dash while the fan 39 is secured to the motor shaft 4I'. The heater unit carrying the burner is then applied from the passenger side of the dash, after which the fastening devices 36 are inserted to secure the motor and heater unit assemblies to the dash as shown in Fig. 4. The burner nozzle may then 'be connectedwith the fuel line I2, after which one of the spark-plug wires is removed and replaced by the conductor 88. The corresponding terminal of the timer is then connected with the other terminal of the igniting device by the conductor 8l. When the fuel line is installed it is so arranged that the stem of the valve 12 may project within the passenger compartment and be in position to actuate the switch i8. The drain line is then connected with the intake manifold as indicated at 62, after which the vent pipe is connected with an opening which may be formed in the top of the air cleaner. completing the installation.

With the engine in operation, the pump i discharges fuel under pressure into the line i2 and if the valve il is open a portion of the fuel passes through the pipe 69 to the valve 12. Also with the motor in operation a high tension current is passing across the electrode terminals of the timing device. Upon opening of the valve l2, through manipulation of the wheel l5 in a counterclockwise direction, the arm i6 eiects closure of the motor switch to energize the motor. Combustion supporting air and fuel is now being delivered into the combustion ignition chamber. The finely divided fuel spray contacting the spark passingacross the electrode terminals of the igniting device is readily ignited and the fuel begins to burn in the ignition chamber heating the disk 89 to incandescence as the partly burning fuel passes through the openings therein into the combustion or mixing chamber of the flame distrlbuter. The burning fuel then passes through the orifices of the flame distributer into contact with the secondary air which is drawn into the lower manifold or burner chamber through the tube 32. The secondary air produces a blue flame which quickly heats the tubelike flues with the products of combustion passing upwardly through the tubes into the upper manifold chamber and out through the pipe 3d where it is drawn into the engine by way of the air cleaner and carburetor. The motor in operation actuates the fan 39 to circulate air from the passenger compartment past the fiues where the air is heated and discharged through the openings 23 under the control of the louvers 2d.

A burner constructed as described operates efficiently using fuels containing antiknock preparations since no needle valves or i'lne orifices are required to effect minute dispersion of the fuel. The "outlet of the nozzle may be relatively large, it being its duty to spread the fuel in the ignition chamber so that it comes in contact with the spark passed across the terminals of the igniting device. Owing to the provision of the igniting chamber and the relatively long travel of the burning fuel, there is ample time for the particles of fuel to be completely ignited when the flame passes through the apertures of the burner.

The construction illustrated and described also provides a compact arrangement with all of the operating parts, with exception of the hand wheel of the fuel control valve, located in the engine compartment. The connection of the ignition device with the ignition system of the engine further simplifies installation and reduces cost of the heater.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a heater of the character described, a radiator unit having a chamber, a flame distributor in the radiator chamber. an ignition chamber connected withv the name distributor, means for discharging liquid fuel into the ignition chamber, means Within the ignitionchamber and located in the zone of the discharged fuel for igniting the fuel in the ignition chamber, an air supply tube connected with the radiator chamber and housing the ignition chamber to preheat secondary air for mixture with products of combustion discharged from the iiame distributor, a blower having individual connection with the ignition chamber for supplying primary combustion supporting air, and a second blower for independently supplying air to the radiator unit.

2. In a heater, a radiator unit for mounting on one side the dash of a motor vehicle, a motor and blower unit adapted for mounting on the Opposite side of said dash, said radiator unit including a closed burner chamber, an air supply tube connected with the burner chamber and adapted to extend through said dash, a burner in the burner chamber, fuel conducting means housed within said tube for supplying fuel to the burner, and means connecting the blower with the fuel conducting means for supplying primary air.

3. In a heater, -a radiator unit for mounting on one side the dash of a motor vehicle. a motor and blower unit adapted for mounting on the opposite side of said dash, said radiator` unit including a closed burner chamber, an air supply tube connected with the burner chamber and adapted to extend through said dash, an ignition chamber housed within said tube, means supplying fuel to said ignition chamber, ignition means in said chamber, and means connecting the blower with the ignition chamber.

4. In a heater, a radiator unit for mounting on one side the dash of a motor vehicle, a motor and blower unit adapted for mounting on the opposite side of said dash, said radiator unit including a closed burner chamber, an air supply tube connected with the burner chamber and adapted to extend through said dash, an ignition chamber housed within said tube, pressure means supplying fuel to said ignition chamber, ignition means in said chamber, and means connected the blower with the ignition chamber.

5. In a heater of the character described, a radiator unit having a chamber, a hollow ame distributor in the radiator chamber and spaced from the walls of said radiator chamber to provide an air passageway on all sides thereof to prevent overheating the walls of said radiator chamber, an ignition chamber connected with the ame distributor, a fuel supply nozzle arranged to discharge liquid fuel into the ignition chamber, and means in the ignition chamber and in the zone of the fuel discharge for igniting the fuel in the ignition chamber.

6. In a heater of the character described, a radiator unit having a chamber, a hollow iiame distributor in the radiator chamber and spaced from the walls of said radiator chamber to pro vide an air passageway on all sides thereof to prevent overheating the walls of said radiator chamber, an ignition chamber connected with the flame distributer, a f-uel supply nozzle arranged to discharge liquid fuel into the ignition chamber, means located in the ignition chamber adjacent the fuel discharge for igniting the fuel in the ignition chamber, and a refractory diaphragm between the ignition chamber and the flame distributor Aand having openings connecting said lg- 7. In a heater of the character described. a radiator unit having a chamber. a name distributer in the radiator chamber and spaced from the walls of said radiator chamber to provide an air passageway on sides thereof to prevent over- 5 heating of said walls, an ignition chamber connected with the flame distributer and located exteriorly of the radiator chamber, means for discharging a liquid fuel directly into the ignition chamber, means located 'in the zone of the Iucl discharge for igniting the fuel in the ignition chamber, and an air supply tube connected with the radiator chamber and housing the ignition chamber to supply air for circulation through said passageway and to preheat said air for supporting secondary combustion.

HARRY D. PINKERTON.

CLARENCE S. PHENICIE. 

